Vettel to drive Schumacher's Ferrari F2002 at Monza in emotional tribute lap

Sebastian Vettel will climb back into a Formula 1 car at Monza this Sunday, driving Michael Schumacher’s iconic Ferrari F2002 for an honorary lap in tribute to the seven-time world champion. The appearance, confirmed by Ferrari alongside the unveiling of a special Schumacher tribute livery for the Italian Grand Prix, marks Vettel’s first time in a current-generation F1 cockpit since his retirement at the end of the 2022 season.

Vettel announced the run through an Instagram video captioned “There is still a race to win – for my friend Michael”, offering a brief but warm message to fans. “Hey, everyone, I’ll be coming to Monza this Sunday, and I will be driving Michael’s car,” he said. “I’m very excited about it and I look forward to it. Obviously, we don’t see Michael anymore, but I’m sure on Sunday, we will very much feel him and hear him. So it will be a huge privilege and an honour for me to drive his car.”

The timing of the tribute carries particular weight. The Schumacher celebrations mark 30 years since his first season with Ferrari in 1996, and fall just days before the anniversary of his maiden victory at Monza as a Ferrari driver. The special livery Ferrari has produced for the weekend is based on the F310, the car Schumacher and Eddie Irvine raced during that debut campaign with the Maranello outfit.

The F2002, however, is the machine that defined Schumacher’s dominance. He used it to claim the 2002 Constructors’ and Drivers’ championships, and it remains one of the most celebrated cars in the sport’s history. For Vettel — who grew up idolising Schumacher and went on to equal his record of four consecutive world titles — the opportunity carries obvious personal significance.

Since stepping away from full-time racing, Vettel has not been entirely absent from the cockpit. He has completed show runs in the 1992 Williams FW14B and the 1993 McLaren MP4/8, both powered by sustainable fuels as part of his Race Without Trace environmental campaign. Sunday’s run at Monza, however, will be his most high-profile return to the paddock since retirement.

Fan reaction to Vettel’s announcement was immediate and emotional. “We miss you Seb!! Can’t wait to see you in Michael’s car,” one follower commented, while another wrote: “This is going to be a very emotional moment — we’re all so happy for you Seb.”